Campbell Signed, Sealed and Delivered

AZRedReport.com Staff

07/21/2008

The Arizona Cardinals announced that they have agreed to terms with second-round pick Calais Campbell. The signing marks the club's sixth draftee to be under contract. First-round pick Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie remains the only rookie to not yet agree to contract terms.

Defensive end Calais Campbell has agreed to terms on a four-year contract. Scout.com's Adam Caplan reports the following terms:

The former University of Miami-Fla. defensive end signed a four-year deal with the following minimum base salaries: (08) $295,000 (09) $385,000 (10) $470,000 (11) $555,000. A league source notes Campbell also will receive a signing bonus of $1.2 million.

The rookie out of Miami (6'8", 282) is a threat to play anywhere on the line. His outstanding size and has great wrap-up technique is something to love.

The Cardinals picked up Campbell when most thought a running back to compliment Edgerrin James would be taken. Campbell was too good of an athlete to pass up, as Arizona was able to use the "best available player" approach for the first time in a while.

Campbell won't compete for a starting role this year, but is a shoe-in to beat out the classy, but aging Bert Berry for a backup rotation.

Campbell started in all 12 games last year as a junior. He registered 50 tackles, six sacks, 19 quarterback pressures, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and his first career pick.

He thought he could have done better.

"It was a tough season for everybody across the board," Campbell said at the NFL Combine. "Very tough, I could have played a lot better, I worked hard and I thought I played very well against the run. I could have had a couple more sacks, but I played through a couple nicks, small injuries."

Campbell is prepared to work in the big league, his style of play should help him get the job done.

"My game is a high motor," Campbell said. "I go make a play. I try to use a technique as much as I can and play as hard as I can. I can play left or right."